Product Description
CAT'S CLAW BARK - For more detailed information, click on the link...
Uncaria tomentosa - Wildharvested, grain alcohol 60%, spring water. Strength 1:5.
Supports immune system health - used in botanical anti-cancer formulas; anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory - traditionally used for rheumatoid arthritis; used to support stomach health, ulcers; eczema; liver health.*
Summary: The traditional application of cat's claw has been to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Compounds with cat's claw are thought to block the body's production of inflammation producing substances and slightly reduce pain, but not the swelling that goes with typical arthritis. The herb is also used for stomach ulcers, gastritis, eczema, "break-bone fever," and liver diseases. Recent clinical studies find that the herb is useful for relieving knee pain. Since the 1980's, cat's claw most common use in modern herbal medicine is an immune stimulant. The oxindole alkaloids in cat's claw strengthen the immune system and also improve circulation by lowering blood pressure. The master rain forest herbalist Leslie Taylor has used cat's claw tinctures and teas to treat cancer and HIV with remarkable success. The Ashanica Indians of Peru believe that cat's claw has life giving properties, and their folklore states that if you drink one cup of bark decoction a week it will ward off diseases, help ease bone pain, and cleanse the body. There is certainly a bit of validity to these claims. At least one researcher referred to cat's claw as the "opener of the way" for its ability to cleanse the entire intestinal tract.
Rebecca notes: There has been some debate regarding the superiority of "TOA-free" Cat's claw. Herbalist and Naturopathic Physician Leslie Taylor has written the most useful piece of information I've seen to date addressing this issue - "The Cat's Claw TOA-POA Controversy." The Wondrous Roots Cat's claw extract is not TOA-free, as supported by Ms. Taylor's work.
Precautions: Women should avoid use of this herb when trying to get pregnant. It may be best to avoid use of this herb if you have any chronic health condition resulting from over-stimulation of the immune system, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, scleroderma, or Sjogren's syndrome.
You may have read concern about TOA-free cat's claw being superior to the whole plant. I refer you here for a very sound and scientific rebuttle by Leslie Taylor of Raintree Nutrition
Suggested Use: Shake well. Twelve years and older, add 1-4 ml (15-60 drops) to a small amount of water and drink. Use 3-4 times daily as needed. To evaporate alcohol before drinking, add to a cup of heated water (no microwave!) and allow to sit for ten minutes before drinking. If an herb is appropriate for children, herb doses for children under 12 are typically 1/2 the adult dose; adjust by weight accordingly or check with a qualified practitioner.
*This statement not evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.
